Travelers' Philanthropy Handbook - Center for Responsible Travel

IIVOLUNTEER PROJECTS6. Consider the impact of giving ‘things’Volunteers – volunteer travelers, short- and long-term volunteers – are often inclined to ‘giving things’. Organizationsand tour companies may also be inclined to ask volunteers to support a project through the donation of ‘things’. Thissection is not specific to volunteer tour operators; it is relevant to all social development projects, tour organizers, andtravelers who are considering engaging in philanthropic travel.INDICATORS VALUES EVIDENCE NEXT STEPConsultation with Community- If any items are given, has the community or organizationrequested those items?- Was a needs assessment conducted before introducing anynew items?Sustainability- Are you possibly creating an unnecessary need by introducingnew items?- Are repair costs, replacement parts, and usability of items (e.g.wells, electronics), taken into consideration? (Some questionsto consider: If repair is costly, who has ownership over repairresponsibilities? Do those groups have access to the necessaryfunding?- Has someone been trained to monitor and fix the items given?- If an item becomes broken beyond repair, are there waysfor this item to be recycled or returned, or will it becomeunnecessary waste in the community? (i.e. the environmentalimpact of giving colored pencils to a school vs. plastic markerswhich will dry up and become non-recyclable waste)Distribution Channels- Are volunteers educated about the potential effects of givingfood, candy, money, or other items directly to individualcommunity members, (especially children), such as creatingdependencies, reinforcing discouraged behaviors, orundermining organizational or community efforts?- Are volunteers encouraged and advised on how to give thingsthrough existing social structures?- If things are given to individuals, are there enough for all toshare?YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESNONONONONONONONONO